Have you ever felt like the unnecessary part of your friend group? Like the rest of your friends were all super close to each other, and you were just there? Like no one actively wanted you along, and if you weren't their friend anymore, no one would care?

So have I.

I've felt that way for a long time. For some reason, I've always assumed that I'm that friend who's just kind of around because no one wants to tell me to leave. I didn't think people actively disliked me, I just felt that no one would actually choose me to be their friend if I didn't force my way into the friend group. I felt like the end slice of bread: technically, it belongs, but no one's going to eat it. And it sucked to feel that way.

But here's the thing -- I'm not the only one who feels like this. This past week, I was feeling especially mopey and separate from the group, so I talked to a few of my friends about it. Do you know what they said? Every single person I talked to told me they felt the exact same way. They felt like the unnecessary friend, the friend whom no one actually wants, the friend whom no one would choose.

I am not alone.

You are not alone.

We often view our lives as "us against the world," like everyone is out to get us and no one's love is genuine. We feel alone and unwanted, but we aren't. People have neither the time nor the inclination to pretend to be friends with someone they dislike for a long period of time. Chances are, if you are part of a friend group, they actually are your friends and they do actually love you. We have to slow down and realize that the world is not against us, that everyone is searching for love and acceptance and that our feelings of loneliness are not unique.

Everyone has this struggle.

If you have been blessed with a group of friends, love them for who they are, because they love you too. If you feel unloved, go talk to someone, because I guarantee they can help you. Humans were made to live in community, and everyone is just looking for a friend. Be a friend, love your friends and know that you are valuable and loved, and everyone else feels the same way you do.